The Spartans are delighted to welcome Mixu Paatelainen as their new Sporting Director, supporting our Men’s and Women’s senior teams and our Men’s Under 20 team.
70 times capped for his native Finland, Paatelainen takes up the new role at The Spartans where he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise courtesy of a playing career spanning two decades, followed up by eighteen years in managerial roles on both a domestic and national arena.
Speaking of his decision to join The Spartans, Mixu Paatelainen said: “I’ve been very impressed how people go about things, how organised they are, how good the people who are in charge are, and their ambition.
“Everybody knows that Spartans is a community club who do a lot for the kids – boys and girls – which is fabulous. The facilities are fantastic and what struck me straight away is that people are very ambitious, they don’t want to be a League 2 club all the way, they want to go forward and do better, and it’s a wonderful club, wonderful people, so I want to be part of that.
“I will step on nobody’s toes, that’s for sure – I want to be a sounding board. I know some head coaches, when there’s a sporting director coming to a club for the first time, they might be alarmed and worry that people think they are not doing a good enough job. That is not the case here. Dougie has done a fantastic job, there’s no question, and this is just another piece in the jigsaw. It’s as simple as that.
“We want to try to make us stronger and hopefully improve us enough to take the next step.”
Chairman Craig Graham added, “Mixu’s appointment brings us so much expertise. He will support me, my fellow Directors and all our coaches as we continue to grow and develop our club. It’s a brilliant appointment for us.
“We are an ambitious club and the Mixu will help us drive forward all aspects of our strategic agenda. After a hugely successful playing and managerial career Mixu now has a senior role in the UEFA Technical team and with the SFA in coach education.
“He is so passionate about football and to helping others develop, it’s such an exciting move for us.”
TACKLING SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY
Award winning charity, Street Soccer has today announced the launch of Kitback, a new charitable social enterprise designed to combine a collective love of football with social impact through the sale of pre-loved, upcycled football shirts.
All proceeds from the initiative will go towards supporting the life-changing work that Street Soccer addresses including homelessness, mental health, social exclusion, problem substance use and poverty.
Launching across the UK, Kitback will collect pre-loved football shirts from donors at dedicated drop-off points or by post and upcycle them in preparation for resale.
All shirts from teams, leagues, and countries across the globe are welcomed, offering a wide range of options for like-minded football enthusiasts to choose from. Each purchase made through Kitback gives fans a chance to own a piece of football history while contributing to greater causes.
Supporting the launch, football clubs, players and foundations are getting involved. Fulham FC Foundation have become the first professional club to donate to Kitback with others set to follow suit in the coming weeks and months.
As well as addressing key societal issues, the initiative also promotes environmental benefits by reducing waste and the demand for new clothing production, lowering football fans’ environmental footprint and keeping the circular economy moving.
As Kitback grows, another significant impact the social enterprise will have is to create jobs and volunteering opportunities for Street Soccer players and the wider community, helping to develop skills and experience that can be carried forward into the wider employment environment.
David Duke MBE, Social Entrepreneur & Founder of Street Soccer Scotland, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative:“Kitback is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement that brings together our shared passion for football and our collective commitment to helping our local communities.
“Football has a unique ability to unite people behind social causes and through Kitback, supporters can make a real difference. By donating your pre-loved football shirts and buying from Kitback when adding a new kit to your collection, you’re not only reducing environmental waste but also helping to empower and enrich people’s lives through everything we do at Street Soccer.”
Football fans, players and clubs are encouraged to come together with businesses and organisations to join the Kitback movement by donating and purchasing shirts, spreading the word, facilitating drop-off points and taking part in kit donation days during the year. Let’s change the world, one football shirt at a time!
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today published the post-split fixture list for the William Hill Premiership following another dramatic weekend of football.
St Mirren secured their place in the top six with a 3-2 victory over Ross County on Saturday, to join Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen in the top half of the table.
The schedule for the final five fixture rounds has now been confirmed, with the 30 games to be played across the weekend of April 26/27, the weekend of May 3/4, the weekend of May 10/11, the midweek of May 13/14 and the weekend of May 17/18.
The final top-six fixtures in this season’s William Hill Premiership will take place on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm, while the bottom six will conclude on Sunday May 18 at 3.00pm.
For the first time since 2017/18 unfortunately it has not been possible to ensure that all clubs will have 19 home games and 19 away games across the season. In the top six, St Mirren will play 20 home fixtures and in the bottom six Motherwell will have 18 home games. Motherwell were the last club to gain a home game when a 19/19 balance could not be achieved in 2017/18, with Heart of Midlothian having only 18 home fixtures on that occasion.
Celtic will have the opportunity to win the title away to Dundee United in the first post-split fixture on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports at 12.30pm, while their final meeting of the season with Rangers will be at Ibrox on Sunday May 4, live on Sky Sports at 12 noon.
Sky Sports will also show Rangers v Aberdeen on Sunday May 11, kick-off 12 noon, and Celtic v St Mirren on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm. Sky may also select a match in due course for live broadcast in fixture round 37.
David Gray’s Hibernian, who are on a 17-game unbeaten run and sit third in the table, begin their postsplit matches away to Aberdeen before hosting Dundee United the following week.
In the bottom half of the table, only a single point separates the clubs in ninth, 10th and 11th position and two of them, Kilmarnock and Ross County, go head to head at Rugby Park in fixture round 34. Dundee, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, begin their run-in against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.
Calum Beattie, SPFL Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was another hugely exciting weekend of football, with three clubs going into Saturday’s matches separated by only a single point in the battle for the final top-six place and St Mirren making the cut with a late winner.
“I’m pleased to be able to publish the fixtures and TV selections for the remaining five rounds of the William Hill Premiership. There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season, with the title, European qualification and relegation places all on the line. It all gets started with a huge match at Tannadice on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports.”
POST-SPLIT MATCHES CONFIRMED FOR LIVE BROADCAST ON SKY SPORTS
Saturday April 26: Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Sunday May 4: Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon) Sunday May 11: Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon) Saturday May 17: Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
William Hill Premiership fixture rounds 34-38 announced
TOP-SIX FIXTURES
Saturday April 26 Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Aberdeen v Hibernian (3.00pm) St Mirren v Rangers (3.00pm)
Saturday May 3 Hibernian v Dundee United (3.00pm) St Mirren v Aberdeen (3.00pm)
Sunday May 4 Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Saturday May 10 Celtic v Hibernian (3.00pm) Dundee United v St Mirren (3.00pm)
Sunday May 11 Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Wednesday May 14 Aberdeen v Celtic (7.45pm) Rangers v Dundee United (7.45pm) St Mirren v Hibernian (7.45pm)
Saturday May 17 Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm) Dundee United v Aberdeen (12.30pm) Hibernian v Rangers (12.30pm)
BOTTOM-SIX FIXTURES
Saturday April 26 Heart of Midlothian v Dundee (3.00pm) Kilmarnock v Ross County (3.00pm) Motherwell v St Johnstone (3.00pm)
Saturday May 3 Dundee v Motherwell (3.00pm) Ross County v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (3.00pm)
Saturday May 10 Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell (3.00pm) Kilmarnock v Dundee (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Ross County (3.00pm)
Wednesday May 14 Dundee v Ross County (7.45pm) Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (7.45pm)
Sunday May 18 Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm) Ross County v Motherwell (3.00pm) St Johnstone v Dundee (3.00pm)
Please note: Sky Sports may select a Round 37 match (midweek of May 14) in due course
Leading anti-poverty charity, Trussell, launched Football vs Hunger – a campaign aimed at encouraging football clubs and fans to play their part in ending hunger in Scotland at this weekend’s St Johnstone match at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
During the 23/24 SPL and SPFL seasons, 211,609 emergency food parcels were distributed across Scotland – this includes 69,148 parcels provided for children facing hunger across the country. This is enough parcels to put one on every seat in Hampden Park four times over, with thousands of food parcels extra.
Clubs from throughout Scotland, have already joined Trussell’s Football vs Hunger campaign and have signed the Football vs Hunger charter.
This charter involves a number of commitments, including to call out and work to stamp out poverty chanting if it happens in the ground or from when the club’s fans are visiting opposition stadiums.
Hunger in Scotland isn’t a food problem – it’s an income problem. If everyone has enough money to for the essentials, we’ll end hunger for good. We know what needs to change to make this future possible, but we can only get there if everyone plays their part.
The clubs who have signed the charter are also encouraging fans to sign up to Trussell FC on the Trussell website to support the charge to end the need for food banks in Scotland.
Francis Smith, CEO of St Johnstone FC, said:“Football has a proud history of leading the way in shaping a better society, by uniting as one voice.
“Food banks are a lifeline for people facing hardship – but they’re not the solution. All of us at St Johnstone FC believe that everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials and that there shouldn’t be a single person in our community who has to experience hunger.
“Everyone at the club is so proud of how Saints fans already rally to support the local food bank. That’s why we want to encourage you to join football’s fight against hunger, and sign for Trussell FC – the only other team we’ll wholeheartedly encourage you to support.”
Football legend, Jeff Stelling, has thrown his support behind the campaign, saying: “Hunger in the UK was never an issue I expected to become so significant in 2025, but has become one of the most critical concerns in modern Britain.
“It’s just not right that so many people can’t afford to feed their families, and need to turn to food banks.
“That’s why I’m proud to support Football vs Hunger, and join the football community helping to end the need for food banks.”
Lori Hughes, Project manager at Perth and Kinross foodbank, said:“Football is made up of great rivalries, but one thing the football community can agree on is that we need to end hunger in the UK.
“Football vs Hunger is a rallying cry for everyone who loves the game to stand up for the people in their communities who can’t afford the essentials. So whatever colour shirt you wear, sign up to Trussell FC and join the football wide effort to end the need for food banks.”
Ellie Lambert, Head of Activations at Trussell, said:“Football clubs sit at the heart of almost every community in Scotland, that’s why we are delighted that so many clubs are choosing to show their support for our Football vs Hunger campaign.
“With hundreds of thousands of fans believing that there should be no place in a modern Britain for food banks, football can be a powerful voice for positive change.”
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by UK Government
Major package to upgrade hundreds of local grassroots sports facilities with new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights
Investment will target deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented groups
At least 40% of funded projects have a multi-sport offer ensuring more can participate and get active as the Government delivers its ‘Plan for Change‘
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government yesterday.
Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities.
It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.
The major package delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, with the funding designed to break down barriers to opportunity and tackle persistent health inequalities through prevention, that will support an NHS fit for the future.
These facilities also encourage communities to come together and give young people opportunities to build vital skills and connections while creating a sense of purpose and pride in where they live.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the funding during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, a grassroots football facility in Midlothian, Scotland which supports over 700 players.
The funding will be invested in sites during 2025/26, with £82.3 million allocated to projects in England (including a £2 million uplift of new investment committed in the current financial year), £8.6 million in Scotland, £6.1 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.
Government funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is amplified by significant contributions by The FA and Premier League in England. Delivery partners also leverage investment from local stakeholders through initiatives such as the Scottish FA and Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s ‘Pitching in’ campaign which aims to raise £50 million for football facilities over the next five years. “
Of the funded projects, at least 40% will have a multi-sport offer so that more people can participate in sports other than football, meaning more people can get access to a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them including rugby, cricket and basketball.
Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding. Applications can be made in England via the Football Foundation on an ongoing basis, and in Wales via the Cymru Football Foundation.
Dedicated windows are opening shortly in Scotland and Northern Ireland with those interested encouraged to check relevant FA websites for more details. The first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to be confirmed in summer 2025.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activities.
“Through this scheme almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding we can look forward to many more.
“As a lifelong football fan I am excited as we build towards hosting Euro2028. I look forward to working with the SFA to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play our national sport – as we support the team on the biggest stage.”
Scottish FA President, Mike Mulraney said: “When I became President, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.
“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for this latest commitment, which will enable us to further improve the infrastructure of our national sport.
“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the Power of Football.
“It follows the Scottish FA’s commitment to ensuring profits are diverted to facilities and infrastructure via our Pitching In fund and I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UK Government, DCMS and Scottish Government, as well as philanthropic and business communities, to rejuvenate Scottish football’s facilities footprint.”
A lucky Scot could score a signed Messi bottle and be in with the chance of scoring the ultimate prize: a trip for two to Miami to watch Messi’s team, Inter Miami CF
Ten imited-edition bottles with hidden “golden caps” are scattered across ten SPAR stores in the UK from today
Más+ by Messi, the positive hydration drink created by the football legend, Messi, is now available throughout the UK
Leo Messi is set to land in Edinburgh after the city’s local SPAR was selected as one of only ten shops to receive a special drop of his everyday hydration drink Más+ by Messi.
Global football icon Leo Messi is challenging supporters to embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt to celebrate the arrival of the drink in the UK.
Messi has challenged his legions of supporters to find one of ten special bottles of his new drink, each holding the key to money-can’t-buy prizes.
Starting today Monday 17th March at 4pm in select UK Spar stores, lucky customers can find one of ten signed golden-capped editions in any of the flavours of Más+ by Messi. They come with an exclusive bundle of Mas+ By Messi merchandise as well as a year’s supply of Más+ by Messi.
Plus, one grand prize winner will experience the ultimate Messi fan dream: a trip for two to Miami, including flights, accommodation, and tickets to witness a home ground match with Messi’s team, Inter Miami CF*
Leo Messi, who surprised fans 10 years ago by helicoptering into Hackney Marshes, said: “Both in football and in any challenge, the motivation to achieve the goal is what drives everyone, so I hope the hunt brings excitement to those who are always striving for their own moments of success, now powered by Más+. Good luck to everyone searching, and I hope to see the winner in the stands in Miami soon.”
Ten SPAR stores across the UK will have 100 free bottles for shoppers on a first come first served basis. One out of those 100 will have a winning gold cap.
As the world’s most awarded football champion, Leo Messi uniquely understands how hydration helps us achieve our goals, and he was directly involved in introducing Más+.
He wanted a drink he could proudly share with his friends, family, and teammates on Inter Miami CF, because Leo believes everyone deserves to feel like a champion in every part of life.
Jeremy Kanter, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Más+ by Messi, shared: “We knew we had to launch Más+ by Messi in the UK with big energy. We wanted to bring people together through their shared love of the beautiful game and encourage positive hydration with Más+ by Messi.”
Más+ by Messi has an electrolyte complex, vitamins, minerals and comes in four amazing flavours, inspired by Leo’s own milestones:
Miami Punch is named for his home and club, Inter Miami FC.
Orange d’Or nods to his 8 Ballon D’Or wins.
Berry Copa Crush honours the numerous trophies he has lifted.
Limón Lime League celebrates his four Champions League titles.
Despite Más meaning ‘more’ in Spanish, Mas+ by Messi has less sugar, carbs, and calories than many sports drinks—1g of sugar and just 10 calories per 500ml bottle as well as no artificial colours or sweeteners, making it excellent for everyday performance whilst not compromising on taste.
In addition to SPAR, fans can buy Más+ by visitinghttps://uk.masbymessi.com/.
The beverage will continue to roll out to additional UK markets through 2025.
The BBC has announced it’s agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, Director of BBC Nations, says: “I’m absolutely delighted that fans across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will now be able to enjoy live, free-to-air coverage of all the big international football matches.
“Nothing fires the imagination more than live international sport and the race to qualify for the world’s biggest tournament. It’s going to be quite a ride and I’m thrilled the BBC will be there every step of the way.”
The deal, agreed with UEFA, includes 41 live matches over the next fifteen months – starting with this month’s international ties. It’s the first time the BBC has secured live television rights for all three of the UK’s devolved nations.
The matches will be shown on BBC One in each nation and BBC iPlayer – with key fixtures also being broadcast on network television across the UK – and will add to existing live international coverage on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Cymru and the BBC Sport app.
In Wales, live match coverage will be available in both English and Welsh.
POLICE have responded to a number of incidents of football-related disorder and violence in Edinburgh in recent months.As a result, Chief Superintendent David Robertson has authorised the use of powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
This allows officers to stop and search people where this is appropriate and necessary, either in vehicles or on foot.
This power allows officers to require the removal of any item the officer believes is being used wholly or partly for the purposes of concealing their identity.
The Section 60 stop and search power will be in force in various areas, including the city centre and Leith, from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday, 2 March,2025.
It will be used responsibly and when justified to help prevent disorder and serious violence.
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “Over the past few months, we have responded to several incidents of disorder and violence linked to football events in Edinburgh.
“Attacks on police officers, possession of offensive weapons or dangerous instruments, and attempts to evade justice by concealing their identity will not be tolerated. Our officers will take all necessary action to ensure public safety.
“This type of behaviour impacts the local community and the vast majority of football fans who simply want to enjoy these events safely.”
Almost 90 per cent of stadiums hosting the 2026 World Cup could face potentially dangerous levels of heat, Queen’s University research has revealed.
With climate change and extreme heat becoming a growing problem for sport, some governing bodies for football recommend delaying or postponing games if a metric of heat stress termed “wet bulb globe temperatures” reaches above 28°C.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Dr Donal Mullan from Queen’s University has modelled this metric using 20 years of meteorological data to predict how hot the host stadiums are likely to get if it’s an average summer or a more extreme one.
Of the 16 stadiums, 14 could exceed the potentially dangerous 28°C level at least some of the time – with up to nine stadiums facing this heat at least half the time in a hot summer. Four stadiums could also reach a more dangerous 32°C level of extreme heat.
His research shows that temperatures are likely to be at their peak in the afternoon, when games are usually scheduled. Outside afternoon hours, levels of extreme heat reduce greatly at all host stadiums.
Dr Mullan comments: “Climate change and extreme heat are becoming bigger issues for all areas of our lives, and this includes sport.
“After analysing 20 years of data, our modelling shows that high temperatures are extremely likely, and these will have a major impact on players. We can see that afternoons are the peak time for higher temperatures, regardless of whether 2026 turns out to be an average or hot summer.
“To protect players, and spectators, organisers must rethink the timing of games. The best solution would be rescheduling kick-off times outside the hottest afternoon hours for the locations with highest temperatures, especially those without air conditioning. This is primarily Miami and Monterrey, but also Philadelphia, Kansas City, Boston and New York.”
The research was led by Dr Donal Mullan from the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University Belfast. He worked with a team of researchers from a range of universities across the UK and Canada.
Unleash your passion for football and make a real difference in North Edinburgh! We are on the hunt for dynamic and inspiring sessional coaches to join our thriving Football Development Department where, you’ll do more than coach, you’ll contributing to changing lives and supporting the community of North Edinburgh.
Be part of a team delivering top-tier commercial football programmes and driving social impact in local schools. We’re looking for enthusiastic, high-energy and engaging coaches who can ignite the love of the game in grassroots players aged 3-15 years.
If you’re ready to inspire the next generation of footballers and create a lasting impact in your community, this is your chance!
